Jackson move made Tampa offense better, Chargers worse

Vincent Jackson is on pace for a career year. Midseason statistics bear that out, with massive totals in receptions, receiving yards and an NFL-best 22.9 yards per catch.

On film Jackson looks like the same receiver he's always been, except for an obvious uniform switch. While he traded San Diego powder blue for Tampa Bay pewter, Jackson still secures receptions in the air, runs excellent routes and makes big plays few others can. He still uses size to his advantage, draws coverage away from other receivers and makes those around him better.

Jackson has been a boon for the Buccaneers, who signed him to a five-year, $55.5 million contract on the first day of free agency. He's conjured excellence out of young quarterback Josh Freeman and third-year receiver Mike Williams. He's given rookie rusher Doug Martin room to run rampant.

Jackson has also left a hole in the Chargers' heart. The running game misses his presence. The passing game hasn't been the same without him. The Chargers will play the one that got away Sunday morning at Raymond James Stadium.

The Buccaneers are scoring with ease. The Chargers are fighting for every touchodown.

These divergent offensive paths are there because Vincent is still being Vincent. On the field, that's clear. Off of it, the Buccaneers are getting more than they bargained for.

“He came into a situation where he is clearly the elder statesman,” Tampa Bay coach Greg Schiano said. “Other than Vincent, it is a young group of receivers. From day one he has been providing leadership, with work ethic on the field, work ethic in the classroom, teaching our guys how to be a true professional. He has been a really fine ambassador for our team in the community.”

Jackson was none of those things in seven seasons as a Charger. A poll of veteran players confirmed that case.

According to several who knew Jackson best, he wasn't a leader with the Chargers because he wasn't required to be. Those duties were assumed by quarterback Philip Rivers, tight end Antonio Gates and center Nick Hardwick on the offensive end. Malcom Floyd was always the elder statesman within the position group, and even he was trumped by Chris Chambers in certain seasons.

Jackson was quiet in meeting rooms. Insightful and honest, primarily when spoken to. On the field, Jackson was a hard worker who gave his teammates maximum effort in games and practice. Even in conversations where anonymity was guaranteed, no player questioned Jackson's work ethic or commitment to his teammates.

His commitment to the franchise is another matter. The cause is a matter of public record. The effect ensured that Jackson would not be a Charger long-term.

Jackson should've been an unrestricted free agent heading into the 2010 season, finally earning market value for a player with his production. Unique league rules prior to the final year of the collective bargaining agreement put him back under team control as a restricted free agent. The Chargers exploited the designation - as was their right - and offered a contract tender well below Jackson's worth.

He held out. His agents demanded a trade they didn't get. The dispute devolved into a war of words between Jackson's agents and Chargers general manager A.J. Smith. The fracture became permanent, and Jackson's attitude toward the franchise changed.

Why go out of his way to improve the image of a team that didn't want him? Why go the extra mile with young players when the front office was concerned only about the short term?

Smith said in 2010 that a pair of DUIs and another run-in with the law prior to a playoff game forced the front office into a wait-and-see approach with his star receiver's long-term future. Jackson believed he put those issues behind him. He got married and became a non-issue off the field, traits required of those worthy of a big-money, long-term commitment he never got in San Diego.

Jackson's pride was too powerful to let the disappointment affect his play. Despite dissatisfaction with his long-term contract status, Jackson still had 60 receptions for 1,106 yards and nine touchdowns playing under a franchise tag in 2011.

That said, Jackson was different off the field. He was aloof towards the media, increasingly distant from a fan base that wanted to reign him.

Anything outside of football was off limits to the press. He was rarely available after games, especially following tough losses. When given a chance to speak with San Diego press this week via conference call, Jackson balked. He's been silent in the Tampa Bay market leading up to a game he certainly has circled on his calendar.

“I do know that this game means a lot to Vincent because it’s a team that he started with and played with for a long time, but Vincent also treats every game like it’s special,” Freeman said. “He gets fired up. He’s out there with a lot of energy, ready to make big plays. … Vince is my guy. He’s been great for the team and great for me. It’s awesome to call him my teammate.”

Jackson has been excellent this season. He has 31 receptions for 710 yards and six touchdowns in eight games, massive sums that account for a portion of his worth.

His role as a leader is due in large part to his new role as sage receiver. He's flourished with his new team, and has made those around him better.

The Chargers have been worse without him. Former teammates miss Jackson's presence on the field, and how he always played hard for them despite friction with the front office.

“I played with him so long that it's still strange not to look toward the sideline and not see No. 83 at (receiver),” Chargers tight end Antonio Gates said. “It'll be strange playing against him, but I have nothing but respect for Vincent. I'm happy for him, but I'll never forget how he tried to help us achieve success. We all sacrificed in order to win football games, and he was such an important part of what we did here. I hope he does well in Tampa, except when he's playing us.”